Orthodontics

Traditional metal braces use wires, brackets, and rubber bands to guide your teeth into alignment. A metal bracket is attached to each tooth, and an archwire is placed through the brackets. Rubber bands are wrapped around the brackets to hold the archwire in place. This system gradually moves your teeth into their new position. 

Inter-arch elastics are used for jaw alignment issues, such as to fix an underbite or overbite. Inter-arch elastics attach to small hooks on your brackets. Like braces, they use tension to gradually realign your bite. As treatment progresses, your orthodontist may make adjustments to the elastics depending on your dental needs. 

When treatment is completed, we'll provide you with a retainer that will help keep your teeth in their straightened position. How often you will need to wear it will vary. Some patients will need to wear a retainer full-time for six months, then transition to nightly wear. This retainer is an important step that maintains the results of your orthodontic treatment. 

Your orthodontist will show you how to brush and floss around your brackets and wires to ensure optimal oral health. Small orthodontic brushes can help you get between the wires; this ensures all food debris is properly removed. Continue to brush using a soft-bristle brush, cleaning all surfaces of your teeth, wires, and brackets.

Regular dental exams and cleanings are crucial for maintaining your oral health. It is important that you continue with your regular dental visits, as this can help you catch tooth decay or gum disease before it progresses to a more serious concern, such as a root canal infection. 

Sticky or hard foods like gum, caramel, hard candies, and raw vegetables can damage or dislodge the brackets or wire. It is best to avoid some of these foods that are not needed for a balanced diet, such as chewing gum. However, if you have a damaged wire or bracket, our emergency dental services are on call 24/7 to help.